Wohler Technologies Unveils New Monitoring Solutions

Wohler Technologies has launched its new MADI-8 multichannel audio monitor utilizing the Multichannel Audio Digital Interface (MADI or AES10) protocol, and its new D-Series of eight-channel audio monitors, offering a lower-cost solution for operators who only require decoding of Dolby Digital (AC-3) signals.

Wohler’s new MADI-8 audio monitor enables broadcasters to take advantage of MADI support for greater numbers of channels per line and the protocol’s use of coaxial and optical fiber for transmitting audio signals over long distances — up to 3000 meters. Thus, broadcasters using Wohler’s MADI-8 are able to simplify their workflows by reducing the amount of heavy cable typically associated with traditional analog or AES audio distribution.

“Our new MADI-8 monitor is the latest example of Wohler’s commitment to delivering solutions directly tailored to customer requirements. We based the monitor design on specific MADI solution requirements provided to us by a consortium of major production truck companies,” said Jeff McNall, Wohler’s product line manager for audio and video products. “In addition to serving the broadcast TV market, the MADI-8 offers a cost-effective and powerful solution for any organization — such as a house of worship — incorporating the monitor as part of an overall workflow for live sound recording, studio recording, and broadcast productions.”

Although similar in appearance and operation to Wohler’s VMDA-SUM8 eight-channel analog/digital continuity monitor, the MADI-8 can be connected in a series within a 64-channel MADI stream for audio monitoring of up to eight assigned channels. The monitor features a 16-character by two-line LCD display, as well as both coax and optical MADI inputs and outputs, mixed two-channel or mono analog outputs, built-in speakers, a front-panel headphone jack, channel presence indicators, and eight user-nameable presets. The 1RU, narrow-depth chassis is designed to fit in tight spaces such as crowded production trucks.

Meanwhile, the in-rack D- Series monitors provide a new middle-tier of functionality within Wohler’s highly popular AMP-S8 and AMP-E8 audio monitor series.

“Many operations do not have a need for Dolby E and do not have plans to support it in the future, and up until now their only real option for audio monitoring has been to purchase a more expensive system that supports both Dolby D and Dolby E decoding,” said Kim Templeman-Holmes, Wohler’s EVP of worldwide sales. “Our new D-Series gives broadcasters robust Dolby D decoding without having to pay for Dolby E functionality they don’t need.”

Available in 1-RU or 2-RU configurations, the four new multiformat monitors in the D- Series offer a complete, exceptionally high-quality monitoring solution for Dolby Digital (AC-3), AES/EBU, and analog signal sources. The D-Series is capable of processing and monitoring up to eight channels from a Dolby Digital bit stream, two sets of four AES/EBU signal pairs (balanced and unbalanced), or eight balanced analog channels. Eight high-resolution multisegment tri-color LED bargraph audio level meters provide accurate and instantaneous visual level monitoring at a glance. A convenient high-contrast LCD display on the front panel shows the user settings and status (as currently selected), type of signal, channel selection, mute status, and alternately, phase/correlation.